2 Corinthians

King James Version (KJV)

2 CorinthiansChapter 11

1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.

2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Commentary for 2 Corinthians 11

The apostle gives the reasons for speaking in his own commendation. (1-14) Shows that he had freely preached the gospel. (5-15) Explains what he was going to add in defence of his own character. (16-21) He gives an account of his labours, cares, sufferings, dangers, and deliverances. (22-33)1-4 The apostle desired to preserve the Corinthians from being corrupted by the false apostles. There is but one Jesus, one Spirit, and one gospel, to be preached to them, and received by them; and why should any be prejudiced, by the devices of an adversary, against him who first taught them in faith? They should not listen to men, who, without cause, would draw them away from those who were the means of their conversion.

5-15 It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.

16-21 It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence must direct in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us. Doubtless here is reference to facts in which the character of the false apostles had been shown. It is astonishing to see how such men bring their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and insult them.

22-33 The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his character and usefulness. It astonishes us to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials. See what little reason we have to love the pomp and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle felt so much hardship in it. Our utmost diligence and services appear unworthy of notice when compared with his, and our difficulties and trials scarcely can be perceived. It may well lead us to inquire whether or not we really are followers of Christ. Here we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we may learn to think less of ourselves; and we should ever strictly keep to truth, as in God's presence; and should refer all to his glory, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for evermore.

Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.

Discussion for 2 Corinthians 11

Acts 9:15 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Paul didn't have to brag about what he did for the Lord Jesus, Jesus said that Paul was a chosen vessel into him. That alone is special from Jesus himself. Jesus, thank you for using Apostle Paul for the Gentiles. Love

Wow Apostle Paul labored more then anybody in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool I am more in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Jesus suffer the cross, Paul suffer beheaded. Wow, that is unbelievable how they suffered. There is a friend that sticked closer then a brother, that's Jesus.

Kurt: Yes:No one is Saved until one is Called(a Tugging on Your Heart):John 6:44 / Ask Forgiveness:1John1:9 /They are Washed in His Blood:Revelation1:5 / They Will be Baptized with His Spirit and giving a New Heart, You will be Changed! Mark l:8, 2Corinthians 5:17, You will Know! Impossible not to Know. Tribulation and Persecution comes to All who are Saved. Acts 14:22 / No roots:Matthew 13:21

Let Paul be our example to follow and be like Christ. We are saved for good works, and trials. Our grit to show the Gospel and its meaning in our lives is what the world needs. When I have petty challenges in my world that has a high standard of living what am I showing others? That I have a better hope? Surely not. Worry not little things so God can invite us for bigger works, and trials! Kurt

If any man that has superpowers by that I mean can bring lightning down from the skies at will and speaks like no one you have ever heard before and speaks in peace as in world peace and calls himself God and sits in Jerusalem. Not even if he says he will fly you away. Don't Go! When the 7th trump sounds and hail stones hit with the fire you will be alright because you waited for the true Christ.